ESPA Optimistic About Marriage Equality In 2011

Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Ross Levi just held a news conference where he praised the results of the 2010 election – despite the fact it is all but certain Democrats have lost control of the State Senate.

“We are aware that the Senate is going through a leadership change. Some say this is a bad thing. I disagree. The LGBT community has had successes under both parties,” Levi said.

By their tally, ESPA feels they have added 2 certain votes in favor of same sex marriage, bringing the total to 26. Before the election, Republican Senate leader Dean Skelos said publicly that he would recommend to his conference that the Marriage Equality act be brought to the floor for a vote, which Levi says is “encouraging.” But, Levi admits that this will be a “particularly challenging” session because of the state’s budget problems.

Levi says he was also emboldened by ESPA’s efforts in ousting 2 incumbents who were opposed to gay marriage. Democrat Bill Stachowski in the Buffalo area, who was defeated in a primary by Tim Kennedy. And Republican Frank Padavan in Queens, who lost in the general election to Tony Avella.

ESPA was also happy with the results in the statewide races. When asked directly about Carl Paladino’s candidacy, Ross Levi said he felt the anti-LGBT message from the Republicans campaign helped motivated their base to vote.

“You can disagree with our platform, but you cannot be against our community. It just doesn’t work in New York. I think people turned their back on him [Paladino] quickly, and I don’t think that will be a problem ever again,” Levi said.

Levi will be a guest on Capital Tonight this evening. You can catch it by watching YNN at 8pm or 11:30pm.